Sharable Content Object Reference Model

Draft

Definition

• SCORM is a sort of "standards package" promoted by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative by the US government, i.e. the Department of Defense (DOD). However, SCORM is also a de facto Industry Standard.

• The "Sharable Content Object Reference Model" (SCORM) specifies how learning content should be coded, how others can later "discover" that content, how it fits into a sequence of learning activities, and how its appearance through the delivery media can be customized for the individual learner.

• Here is another quote from their Web Site (feb 2006): "The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) defines a Web-based learning "Content Aggregation Model" and "Run-Time Environment" for learning objects. At its simplest, it is a reference model that references a set of interrelated technical specifications and guidelines designed to meet DoD's high level requirements for Web-based learning content. These requirements include, but are not limited to, reusability, accessibility, durability and interoperability."

• Until 2000 SCORM was an acronym for "Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model".

Contents

It is quite difficult to understand how exactly IMS and SCORM relate for each SCORM release:

Versions

(the following is a translation from the French page version of this wiki)

SCORM 1.0

January 2000: The original version of SCORM was primarily a test version. The concept of a Sharable Content Object (SCO) was introduced and after some testing, ADL made some implementation examples available.

SCORM 1.1

January 2001 marked the end of the implementation phase and the beginning of the application phase. This version used a XML file based on AICC specifications for describing content structure. Also noteworthy is the momentous change from Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model to Sharable Content Object Reference Model. This version, though improved still lacked support for metadata and was quickly replaced by SCORM 1.2.

SCORM 1.2

October 2001: This version was the first to offer the option to import and export metadata and collect pedagogical content in one package using the IMS Content Packaging specification. SCORM 1.2 is no longer available. ADL replaced it with SCORM 2004.

SCORM 2004

January 2004: The current version is based on IEEE standard for API. It offers the possibility to adapt specifications for learning sequences depending on the sequence of activities. It also allows for a sharing and use of information on learners status with respect to the learning objectives and competencies acquired while working through different content objects and courses, so long as they remain within the same LMS. This more robust version offers greater interoperability.

Comment

While SCORM represents today's main-stream e-learning that is totally focused on delivery of courseware it does not represent in our opinion all of what educational technology should be. The main long-term contribution of SCORM was its insistence on data standards and interoperability which indeed was a major issue for organizations like the US Department of Defense that sponsors over 30'000 training courses. Frustration over non existing standards also led industry and even parts of Academia to adopt SCORM.

Tools

There are a number of tools that allow you to edit Scorm 1.2 or 1.3 compatible contents, e.g here a 2 free ones:

• Reload Scorm Editor
• eXe

However, be warned. Full SCORM compatibility is not guaranteed even if your vendor says so. E.g. your LMS may well play contents, but not be able to provide user tracking.

Links

• Advanced Distributed Learning, home of SCORM.
• IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee. Mandated to "develop accredited technical standards, recommended practices, and guides for learning technology" (from their new website)